UPDATE: Victims Identified in Fatal crash south of Kremmling that kills five

August 4, 2025 Shannon Lukens

By Shannon Lukens. (COURTESY PHOTO)

UPDATE Wednesday morning.

Press Release from the Grand County Coroner, Tawnya Bailey; Aug. 6, 2025.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 6, 2025

Kremmling Family Killed In Two-Vehicle Collision on Highway 9

Kremmling, CO — The Grand County Coroner’s Office confirms that five members of a local Kremmling family lost their lives in a devastating two-vehicle collision on the morning of August 4, 2025, on Highway 9, just south of Kremmling.

The impact of the collision caused both vehicles to become completely engulfed in flames. First responders arrived quickly but despite heroic efforts, the family did not survive. All five victims were residents of Kremmling and were pronounced deceased at the scene. Their identities are:

Andres Cabral-Banuelos, age 2
Manuel Cabral-Banuelos, age 5
Maria Cabral-Banuelos, age 12
Andrea Banuelos-Salazar, age 30
Manuel Cabral-Torres, age 34

The Grand County Coroner’s Office extends its deepest condolences to the surviving loved ones, friends, and the entire community. The loss of an entire family is an unspeakable tragedy, and our hearts are with all who are grieving during this incredibly difficult time.

We also wish to express our sincere gratitude to the emergency crews who responded with courage, professionalism, and compassion under extremely dangerous and emotional circumstances. Their efforts are deeply appreciated. The cause of the crash is currently under investigation by the Colorado State Patrol. ###

A fatal crash south of Kremmling killed five people Monday afternoon, and shut down Highway 9 for about seven and a half hours Monday.

Colorado State Patrol has confirmed that the fatal crashed involved two vehicles. A Ford F-150 was being driven by a 25-year-old male from Parker, Colo. CSP reports that that vehicle was headed north on Hwy 9 when it drove into the southbound lane, strike a GMC Yukon that was headed south. The head-on crash caused both vehicles to catch on fire.

The driver of the Yukon was a 34-year-old male from Kremmling who was pronounced dead at the scene. The four passengers of the Yukon were also pronounced dead and have not yet been identified.

The driver of the pickup truck was taken by air ambulance to an area hospital with life-threatening injuries.

The crash was called in at 7:17 a.m. Monday. The highway was closed until 2:47 p.m.

We have reached out to the Grand County Coroner for identification. CSP says the coroner’s office will identified those who died once next of kin has been notified.

A social media post from the West Grand School District said it “may have involved one of our West Grand families,” and the post expressed “deep sadness,” about what happened, calling it a “heart-breaking tragedy.” (See below.)

Colorado State Patrol says no charges have been filed and they are investigating the crash. Please reach out to Colorado State Patrol Dispatch if you witnessed the crash, at 970-249-4392, and reference VC25269. Be prepared to provide your name and contact information so that investigators can reach you.

Press Release from Colorado State Patrol; Aug. 4, 2025.

UPDATE: Early Morning Crash Remains Under Investigation

Highway 9 has been reopened

(Grand County, COLO) – The initial investigation of the fatal crash on Highway 9 shows the Ford F-150 was traveling northbound on Highway 9 when it drove into the southbound lane, striking a southbound SUV. The SUV was determined to be a GMC Yukon. The impact of this head-on crash caused both vehicles to catch on fire.

The driver of the F-150, a 25-year-old male from Parker, CO, was transported by air ambulance to an area hospital for life-threatening injuries. The driver of the Yukon was determined to be a 34-year-old male from Kremmling, CO, and was pronounced dead at the scene. The four passengers of the Yukon were pronounced dead at the scene and have yet to be identified.

This investigation is ongoing, and no charges have been brought against any drivers at this time. The Grand County Coroner’s Office will identify the deceased once proper next of kin notifications have been made. The highway was reopened today at 2:47 p.m..

The Colorado State Patrol is the lead investigating agency for this crash. If you witnessed this crash and have not spoken to investigators, please contact Colorado State Patrol Dispatch at (970) 249-4392, and reference VC25269. Be prepared to provide your name and contact information so that investigators can reach you.

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From the West Grand School District 1-JT Facebook Page

Update August 4, 6 p.m.: This is a heart-breaking tragedy, and we are here to support those who have been directly impacted, along with extended family, friends, and our community as best we can during this difficult time.

It’s our understanding that any additional information related to the accident will be shared by Colorado State Patrol and the Grand County Coroner’s Office.

What I encourage all of us to do, in true West Grand spirit, is to be loving, kind and supportive to those who need it right now.

I am here for you. Our SRO DJ Elthorp is here for you. Our entire staff is here for you. Whether you’re a student, a parent, or a community member, We Are ALL West Grand.

We are working on scheduling a time for professional support services to be present at the school in the coming days and will post that information as soon as it is available.

Actualización del 4 de agosto, 6 p.m.: Esta es una tragedia desgarradora, y estamos aquí para apoyar a quienes han sido directamente afectados, así como a sus familiares, amigos y a toda nuestra comunidad, en la medida que podamos durante este momento tan difícil.

Entendemos que cualquier información adicional relacionada con el accidente será compartida por la Patrulla Estatal de Colorado y la Oficina del Forense del Condado de Grand.

Lo que les animo a todos, con el verdadero espíritu de West Grand, es a ser amorosos, amables y brindar apoyo a quienes más lo necesitan en este momento.

Estoy aquí para ustedes. Nuestro oficial de recursos escolares, DJ Elthorp, está aquí para ustedes. Todo nuestro personal está aquí para ustedes. Ya sea que seas estudiante, padre de familia o miembro de la comunidad, TODOS somos West Grand.

Estamos trabajando para programar un momento en el que los servicios de apoyo profesional estén disponibles en la escuela en los próximos días, y compartiremos esa información tan pronto como esté disponible.

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Dear West Grand Families and Community,

It is with deep sadness that I share that the tragic accident that occurred earlier today on Highway 9 south of Kremmling may have involved one of our West Grand families.

We don’t have many details at this time, and it is still an active and ongoing investigation by the Colorado State Patrol and assisting agencies, but our hearts are with the family and friends of those impacted. We will provide updates as appropriate.

If you or someone you know is in need of support, please don’t hesitate to reach out. The following resources are available: 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — Call 988 for 24/7 confidential support for mental health crises or emotional distress.

Health Solutions West— Access local mental health support and speak with a therapist. Visit https://www.healthsolutionswest.org/ or call (970) 887-2179.

Thank you for keeping those affected in your thoughts.

Queridas familias y comunidad de West Grand:

Con profunda tristeza comparto que el trágico accidente ocurrido más temprano hoy en la Carretera 9, al sur de Kremmling, podría haber involucrado a una de nuestras familias de West Grand.

En este momento no tenemos muchos detalles, ya que la investigación aún está en curso y está siendo llevada a cabo por la Patrulla Estatal de Colorado con el apoyo de otras agencias. Sin embargo, nuestros corazones están con la familia y los amigos de quienes se han visto afectados. Proporcionaremos actualizaciones cuando sea apropiado.

Si usted o alguien que conoce necesita apoyo, no dude en comunicarse. Los siguientes recursos están disponibles:

Línea de Vida 988 para Suicidio y Crisis — Llame al 988 para recibir apoyo confidencial las 24 horas del día, los 7 días de la semana, en situaciones de crisis de salud mental o angustia emocional.

Health Solutions West — Acceda a apoyo local de salud mental y hable con un terapeuta. Visite https://www.healthsolutionswest.org/ o llame al (970) 887-2179.

Gracias por mantener en sus pensamientos a quienes han sido afectados.